TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The night sky events in May are no less tempting than last month’s celestial spectacles. Arriving with a uniquely distinguishable “Flower Moon,” more fascinating displays are waiting in line to treat stargazers around the world. From subtle planetary alignments to meteor activity streaking across the darkness, each night offers a fresh reason to linger a little longer under the open sky.
Citing National Geographic and Starwalk Space, here are the must-watch night sky events in May:
Best Night Sky Events in May
1. Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower – May 5-6
As one of May’s most anticipated highlights, the Eta Aquarids meteor shower graces the night sky from mid-April through late May. Its activity builds steadily before peaking overnight from May 5 to 6, when fast, bright meteors streak across the darkness, sometimes leaving glowing trails behind. Under ideal conditions, the shower can produce up to 50 meteors per hour, with the Southern Hemisphere enjoying the most rewarding views.
2. Mars-Saturn Conjunction with Crescent Moon Guidance – May 10-13
Adding a graceful planetary display to May’s night sky events, Mars, Saturn, and the crescent Moon come together in a rare early-morning alignment. The trio appears low above the eastern horizon about an hour before sunrise, forming a delicate line that slowly climbs as dawn approaches. On May 12 and 13, the alignment reaches its most striking form, with the softly lit crescent Moon hovering near Saturn and Mars completing the celestial arrangement.
3. Milky Way 'Core Season’ – Mid to Late May
Beginning mid-May, the Milky Way core season officially kicks off as the galaxy’s luminous center starts rising above the horizon before midnight. Around May 16, a perfectly timed new Moon delivers dark, uninterrupted skies, allowing the Milky Way’s “Great Rift” to stretch vividly from the southeast. From late evening into the early hours before dawn, the galactic core lingers overhead, offering stargazers and photographers a pristine window to witness its brilliance.
4. Moon-Venus Conjunction – May 18
Closing the day on a luminous note, the Moon and Venus conjunction becomes one of the most charming night sky events in May. On May 18, a slender crescent Moon drifts just above Venus, forming a tight, radiant pairing in the western sky.
The duo dances shortly after sunset and lingers for about two hours, glowing softly as twilight deepens. As darkness settles in, the Moon’s gentle earthshine becomes more pronounced, adding an ethereal touch to the scene.
5. Rare “Blue Moon” – May 31
Bringing May’s night sky events to a close, a rare blue moon appears as the final highlight. On May 31, this second full moon of the month also coincides with a micromoon, as it reaches its farthest distance from Earth at the same time it becomes full. Despite its name, the Moon will not turn blue, instead shining in warm yellowish tones when near the horizon.
6. Jupiter Near Venus – All Month
At the start of the month, Jupiter and Venus can be seen relatively close together above the western horizon. As the month progresses, they draw nearer, forming a tighter pairing by late May. Mercury joins the view later in the month, becoming easier to spot as it climbs higher in the evening sky.
The night sky events in May will certainly leave behind a quiet sense of wonder for those taking the time to look up. To plan your next stargazing escape, be sure to read our guide to the darkest places in the US and discover where the stars appear at their most brilliant.
Read: Eta Aquarid Meteor Shower Set to Light Up Sydney Skies This May
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